北盘江光唇裂腹鱼个体繁殖力的研究

为了研究光唇裂腹鱼（Ｓｃｈｉｚｏｔｈｏｒａｘｌｉｓｓｏｌａｂｉａｔｕｓ）的繁殖生物学，以采自珠江水系北盘江的３７尾卵巢成熟度为Ⅲ、Ⅳ期的光唇裂腹鱼标本为材料，用常规方法系统研究了该种鱼的个体繁殖力。结果表明，光唇裂腹鱼个体绝对繁殖力Ｆ为４５５～１０７１４粒，个体体长相对繁殖力ＦＬ为２．００～３７．２０粒／ｍｍ，个体体重相对繁殖力ＦＷ 为１８２～３７．２３粒／ｇ。相关分析显示，Ｆ、ＦＬ与其体长、体重、纯体重、卵巢重、年龄之间均呈显著性正相关，ＦＷ 与各项生物学指标之间相关性均不显著；Ｆ和ＦＬ与体长、体重、纯体重之间最佳拟合回归方程均为二次函数，与卵巢重之间的最佳拟合方程均为幂函数，而与年龄之间拟合度最好的方程则均为线性函数。复合分析、综合分析显示，体长、体重是影响光唇裂腹鱼个体繁殖力最重要的因素。     

黑龙江乌苏里白鲑的个体繁殖力

2013年和2014年的10–11月,在黑龙江抚远江段采集成熟度为IV期的雌性乌苏里白鲑(Coregonus ussurinsis)133尾,鉴定年龄(A),测量叉长(L)、体重(W)、净体重(Wn)和卵巢重(Wo)等生物学指标。计算了绝对繁殖力(F)、叉长相对繁殖力(FL)、体重相对繁殖力(FW)、性成熟系数(GSI)和肥满度(K),并运用6种数学模型及多元线性逐步回归方程拟合了乌苏里白鲑个体繁殖力与生物学指标之间的关系。结果表明,用于统计繁殖力的样本由4+~8+龄5个年龄组组成,乌苏里白鲑F分布范围在1.161×104~5.921×104粒,平均为3.027×104粒;FL分布在307.13~1119.4 eggs/cm,平均为622.5 eggs/cm;FW分布在19.81~56.98 eggs/g,平均为34.62 eggs/g。F与叉长、体重和年龄拟合度最高的函数分别为幂函数、线性函数和抛物线,FL与叉长、体重和年龄分别为幂函数、幂函数和线性函数相关,而FW与叉长、体重和年龄无显著相关性,FW只与卵巢重和性成熟系数具有一定的相关性,且拟合度最高的方程均为幂函数。多元线性逐步回归分析表明,乌苏里白鲑F与卵巢重、叉长和性成熟系数显著相关,而FL和FW均受卵巢重和性成熟系数的显著影响,从二者偏相关系数值来讲,卵巢重与个体繁殖力(F、FL、FW)之间的相关性均高于性成熟系数。     

细鳞鲴繁殖生物学初步研究

报道了细鳞鲴(Xenocypris microlepis)繁殖生物学的初步调查研究结果。细鳞鲴雌雄个体在繁殖季节的显著区别是雄性个体有珠星。繁殖季节雄雌性比为1.55∶1,最小性成熟年龄为2龄,繁殖群体主要由2、3龄组成。细鳞鲴的绝对繁殖力F为8247～157899粒,平均78629.3粒。体重相对繁殖力FW为95～487粒,体长相对繁殖力FL为894～5110粒,平均相对繁殖力FW为(225.8±58.32)粒、FL为(2738.4±135.53)粒。其绝对繁殖力F随体长(L)、体重(W)、空壳重(W0)、性腺重(Wx)的增加而增加,对相对繁殖力FL和FW影响较大的分别是性腺重(Wx)和性成熟系数GSI。     

黄海中南部细纹狮子鱼繁殖生物学特征的年际变化

基于1985-1986年和2011-2012年"北斗"号渔业调查船在黄海中南部的底拖网数据,对细纹狮子鱼的绝对繁殖力、相对繁殖力、卵径、性腺成熟度等繁殖生物学特征的年代际变化进行了研究。结果表明,黄海中南部细纹狮子鱼卵径分布由1985-1986年的多峰型转变为2011-2012年的双峰型,但平均卵径由(1.1±0.2)mm增加至(1.2±0.1)mm。2011年1月细纹狮子鱼性成熟系数和肥满度比1986年1月有所下降,均与绝对繁殖力无显著相关(P0.05)。1985-1986年细纹狮子鱼个体绝对繁殖力F为9407-84209粒,平均为(37677±3625)粒,体长相对繁殖力FL为446-1981粒/cm,体重相对繁殖力FW为18-157粒/g,均高于2011-2012年细纹狮子鱼个体绝对繁殖力[2984-81614粒,平均为(24728±2822)粒]和相对繁殖力(FL为114-1690粒/cm,FW为15-106粒/g),但协方差检验两个年代间繁殖力参数发现无显著差异。1985-1986年和2011-2012年细纹狮子鱼F与体长均呈幂正相关,与体重呈线性正相关;体长与FL呈线性正相关,与FW呈线性负相关,体重与FL、FW不存在明显相关性。     

长江口凤鲚个体生殖力的研究

对凤鲚(Coilia mystus)个体生殖力及其与生物学指标的关系进行了研究。结果表明,个体绝对生殖力(F)为3 146.2~33 237 egg,个体体长相对生殖力(FL)为27.7~185.7 egg·mm-1,个体体重相对生殖力(FW)为366.5~1 614.2 egg·g-1。F、FL与体长、体重、纯体重、卵巢重、成熟系数、年龄均呈幂函数正相关,与肥满度相关关系不显著。FW与表明性腺成熟程度的指标(卵巢重、成熟系数)呈极显著正相关,与其它形态指标均不相关。典型相关分析显示,F主要与卵巢重有关,FL主要与鱼体型有关。依据卵径频率分布推测,凤鲚属单峰一次性产卵鱼类。     

不同来源黄鳝(Monopterus albus)繁殖力的比较分析

比较不同来源黄鳝(Monopterus albus)的个体繁殖力,研究了其个体繁殖力分布特征、变化规律及与生物学指标的关系.以怀卵量作为绝对繁殖力的表征参数,对雌性黄鳝进行解剖测定.结果显示,野生黄鳝绝对繁殖力(F)为181-729粒,人工培养黄鳝F值为165-589粒,人工繁育黄鳝F值为135-352粒;野生黄鳝基于体重的相对繁殖力(FW)为5.4-11.8粒/g,人工培养黄鳝FW为3.5-9.3粒/g,人工繁育黄鳝FW为4.96-8.55粒/g;野生黄鳝基于体长的相对繁殖力(FL)为5.8-17.2粒/mm,人工培养黄鳝FL为4.85-15.00粒/mm,人工繁育黄鳝FL为4.35-9.03粒/mm,不同来源黄鳝在F、FL、FW上均有极显著差异(P＜0.01).来源和体色均不同的黄鳝其F和FL均具有极显著差异,而FW差异不显著;所有黄鳝的F和野生黄鳝的FL与体长、体重生物学指标密切相关,其余F、FL和FW与各生物学指标均相关性较小.研究表明,野生黄鳝的F、FL和FW均高于人工培养和人工繁育的黄鳝,怀卵量优势明显.     

不同来源黄鳝(Monopterus albus)繁殖力的比较分析

比较不同来源黄鳝(Monopterus albus)的个体繁殖力,研究了其个体繁殖力分布特征、变化规律及与生物学指标的关系。以怀卵量作为绝对繁殖力的表征参数,对雌性黄鳝进行解剖测定。结果显示,野生黄鳝绝对繁殖力(F)为181–729粒,人工培养黄鳝F值为165–589粒,人工繁育黄鳝F值为135–352粒;野生黄鳝基于体重的相对繁殖力(FW)为5.4–11.8粒/g,人工培养黄鳝FW为3.5–9.3粒/g,人工繁育黄鳝FW为4.96–8.55粒/g;野生黄鳝基于体长的相对繁殖力(FL)为5.8–17.2粒/mm,人工培养黄鳝FL为4.85–15.00粒/mm,人工繁育黄鳝FL为4.35–9.03粒/mm,不同来源黄鳝在F、FL、FW上均有极显著差异(P0.01)。来源和体色均不同的黄鳝其F和FL均具有极显著差异,而FW差异不显著;所有黄鳝的F和野生黄鳝的FL与体长、体重生物学指标密切相关,其余F、FL和FW与各生物学指标均相关性较小。研究表明,野生黄鳝的F、FL和FW均高于人工培养和人工繁育的黄鳝,怀卵量优势明显。     

细鳞鲴繁殖生物学初步研究

报道了细鳞鲴(Xenocypris microlepis)繁殖生物学的初步调查研究。细鳞鲴雌雄个体在繁殖季节的显著特征是有无“珠星”。繁殖季节雄雌性比为1.55：1，最小性成熟年龄为2龄，繁殖群体主要由2、3龄组成。细鳞鲴的绝对繁殖力F为8247粒至157899粒，平均78629.3粒。体重相对繁殖力FW为 95-487粒，体长相对繁殖力FL为894-5110粒，平均相对繁殖力FW为225.8 ±58.32粒、FL为 2738.4±135.53 粒。其绝对繁殖力F随体长（L）、体重（W）、空壳重（W0）、性腺重（Wx）的增加而增加，对相对繁殖力FL和FW影响较大的分别是性腺重（Wx）和性成熟系数GSI。     

呼伦湖蒙古油[歺又鱼]繁殖生物学的研究

对蒙古油[歺又鱼]（Hemiculter bleekeri warpachowskyi）的繁殖季节、繁殖习性、繁殖力、性比等繁殖生物学指标进行了研究。结果表明：蒙古油[歺又鱼]属敞水性产卵类型,粘性卵,为一次产卵类型。蒙古油[歺又鱼]初次性成熟年龄为1龄,繁殖季节为6月中旬至7月下旬,以7月中旬为产卵盛期。蒙古油[歺又鱼]个体绝对生殖力F为2021～15470粒,个体体长相对生殖力FL为230～1137粒/cm,个体体重相对生殖力FW为273～700粒/g;个体体长相对生殖力、个体体重相对生殖力分别和体长、体重成二次方程和三次方程关系。繁殖前期雌雄性比1∶0.83,繁殖期雌雄性比为1∶1.11。     

池养大弹涂鱼的个体生殖力

研究了浙江温岭池塘养殖的1、2龄大弹涂鱼的个体生殖力及其与各生物学指标的关系.结果表明,大弹涂鱼的个体绝对生殖力F、相对生殖力FL、FW均服从正态分布;1、2龄鱼个体生殖力F、FL差异高度显著(P＜0.01),FW差异不显著(P＞0.05);个体生殖力,与体长、体重、纯体重、性腺重均呈线性正相关,与成熟系数呈幂函数关系,R与各生物学指标均呈幂指数相关,FW与性腺重和成熟系数呈幂函数关系,而与其它指标关系不显著.给出了个体生殖力F、FL、FW均值的95%置信区间及与各指标的多元回归方程.     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.